Twenty-four food trucks offering a variety of menu options will be stationed at five City of Toronto park sites from August 1 to October 1 as part of a City of Toronto food truck pilot project. The food trucks selected and scheduled by the Ontario Food Trucks Association, will rotate weekly. Two trucks at a time will be stationed at each of the five city-owned parks, Woodbine Park, Roundhouse Park, Canoe Landing, Sherbourne Commons and Allan Gardens

"The food truck industry is an emerging one and we understand the public's desire to access these diverse food choices," said Councillor Cesar Palacio (Ward 17 Davenport), Chair of the Licensing and Standards Committee. "We're using this summer to gauge the impact that food trucks have on the existing industry to come up with a balanced approach moving forward."

All food trucks are required to be licensed by Municipal Licensing and Standards and must obtain a permit to operate in a City park. Under existing bylaws, new food trucks are not permitted to operate on the public right of way (streets, boulevards and sidewalks). Operators negotiate with private-property owners for locations. City Council has directed staff to consider expanding permission for food trucks to operate on the public right of way.

Many stakeholders, including existing street food vendors, brick-and-mortar restaurants, local businesses and the general public have an interest in the future of street food vending.

The Street Food Working Group made up of representatives from the Toronto Street Food Vendors Association, the Ontario Food Trucks Association, the Ontario Restaurant, Hotel and Motel Association, the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas and City staff is working to develop an approach that balances the interests of all stakeholders and encourages a vibrant street food experience.

In addition to its work on the food truck pilot project, the working group is addressing issues associated with harmonizing the licensing and regulatory framework for street food vending across the city.

The results of this project, along with recommendations related to improving street food vending for both food carts and trucks, will be reported to the Licensing and Standards Committee in advance of the spring 2014 vending season.

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